Meet UQ's tall poppies

Investigating what we look for in a partner – and how that has affected human evolution – has led the University of Queensland’s Dr Barnaby Dixson to be named joint Queensland Tall Poppy of the Year.

The School of Psychology researcher was one of four UQ recipients at the 2016 Young Tall Poppy Science Awards, along with Dr Anna Hatton, Dr Luke Knibbs and Dr Shyuan Ngo. Dr Dixson shares the major Tall Poppy title with QUT's Dr Makrina Totsika.

Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leanne Enoch said each winner had a role in encouraging young Australians into tertiary study and the sciences.

“Queensland is home to a large pool of scientific talent and it is appropriate that we acknowledge these rising stars who are not only leading ground-breaking research but are also passionate about communicating how their research outcomes will affect the well-being of Queenslanders.

"Through the $405 million Advance Queensland initiative, we proudly support innovative scientists who bring their science research, information, activities and events to the people of Queensland.”

Dr Dixson receives $10,000 for use in research and promoting science-related activities.

He has published nine research papers in the past 18 months, using psychology, anthropological fieldwork and evolutionary biology to understand changes in human appearance over time.